Residential Exteriors

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5 Reasons To Add an Outdoor Kitchen
5 Reasons To Add an Outdoor Kitchen 1440 754 South Alabama Brick

We’re giving you more than enough reasons to add an outdoor kitchen to your home before the height of grilling season, and we can help.

Are you exploring ways to enhance your outdoor living space? An outdoor kitchen could be the perfect addition! It can elevate your home’s aesthetic appeal and includes several other practical benefits.

Check out our top five reasons to add an outdoor kitchen to your home now!

Enhanced outdoor living.

An outdoor kitchen transforms your backyard into a social hub. It provides a comfortable setting for family gatherings, barbecues, summer parties and more. With an outdoor kitchen, guests can enjoy delicious meals while soaking in the beauty of your garden or patio—and you don’t have to miss a moment!

Increased home value.

Investing in an outdoor kitchen can significantly boost your home’s resale value. Potential buyers are often drawn to homes with functional outdoor spaces. By incorporating high-quality materials from South Alabama Brick, you ensure your outdoor kitchen will be beautiful and withstand the test of time.

Improved cooking experience.

Cooking outdoors can be a refreshing change from the indoor kitchen. An outdoor kitchen allows you to prepare meals while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. The versatility and convenience of an outdoor kitchen are two big reasons to consider adding one.

Whether you’re grilling steaks or baking pizzas, it provides the flexibility to experiment with various cooking methods, including smoking, grilling or using a wood-fired oven.

Saves energy costs.

Using an outdoor kitchen can help reduce energy costs. Cooking outdoors keeps your home cooler during hot months, lessening the need for air conditioning. This not only saves you money but also reduces your carbon footprint.

Customization and creativity.

An outdoor kitchen offers endless possibilities for customization. Choose your layout, appliances and materials—including brick, natural stone, thin veneer and other options—to create a space that reflects your style.

Summary

With South Alabama Brick, you can find high-quality materials for your outdoor kitchen, walkways, patio and additional projects. Explore our collections and galleries for inspiration, including a section dedicated to outdoor living! Keep reading our blogs for more on brick and stone.

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Reasons To Use Pavers Around Your Pool
Reasons To Use Pavers Around Your Pool 1440 754 South Alabama Brick

Spring is two days away! What better way to enhance your outdoor living space than by adding stunning pavers around your pool? In the Southeast, where the sun shines brightly and outdoor gatherings are a favorite pastime, upgrading your pool area with pavers can improve aesthetics and functionality.

Why choose pavers for your pool area?

Using pavers around your pool comes with a plethora of benefits. Let’s dive into the top reasons to consider this upgrade now:

Safety first.

Pavers offer a slip-resistant surface that significantly improves traction, making poolside areas safer for families with children and pets. By using pavers, you can effectively reduce the risk of slipping accidents, creating a more secure environment for everyone to enjoy.

Durability and longevity.

Quality pavers are built to withstand the elements. In South Alabama, where humidity and heat can be extreme, using pavers ensures that your poolside area will maintain its beauty for years. Unlike traditional concrete, pavers do not crack and can be easily replaced if damaged.

Aesthetic appeal.

Pavers come in various colors, shapes and textures, allowing you to create a personalized look that complements your home and garden. Whether you prefer a modern or rustic design, South Alabama Brick offers a variety of pavers that can transform your pool area into an inviting oasis.

Low maintenance.

Another benefit of pavers around your pool is the minimal upkeep required! Cleaning pavers is a breeze. Occasional sweeping and rinsing will keep your pool area pristine and ready for use all season. Additionally, pavers are resistant to stains, making them perfect for poolside barbecues and social gatherings.

Design flexibility.

Not only do pavers come in various colors, shapes and textures, but they also can be arranged in several patterns and designs. Paver patterns created by South Alabama Brick include Lake Bond, Flemish Bond, Double Rose, Henning Bond and Grist Bond paver patterns. Visit southalabamabrick.com/pavers and scroll down to preview our varied collections and paver patterns.

Summary

Contact South Alabama Brick to connect with one of our six locations across Alabama, Mississippi and Florida to discuss how pavers around your pool can enhance your outdoor living space. Don’t forget to ask about adding an outdoor kitchen while you’re at it. Keep reading our blogs for more on brick, stone and pavers!

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6 Ways Brick Adds Value to Your Home
6 Ways Brick Adds Value to Your Home 1440 754 South Alabama Brick

When designing your home and creating your next project, every detail matters—including material. A durable and versatile option? Brick. With aesthetic and financial benefits, there are many ways brick adds value to your home.

Low maintenance costs.

One of the benefits is its financial advantages, including low maintenance costs. Without the need for paint repairs or replacement due to warping or fading, brick is more resistant to everyday wear and tear.

Requiring minimal upkeep, like occasionally washing and inspecting the brickwork, the durability and longevity of brick save homeowners time and money.

Increased property value.

The enhanced curb appeal, functionality and durability provided by bricks contribute to the overall desirability of your property. Brick homes are often valued higher than homes built with other materials.

Homes with brick exteriors, in many cases, tend to sell faster and buyers are typically willing to pay a premium for their design.

Flexibility and design options.

Another one of the ways brick adds value to your home is the versatility in design. Allowing for unique creations and offering various sizes, shapes, colors and patterns—you can customize your architecture how you like. 

Long-term cost savings.

While brick may come with a higher investment initially, it proves to be more cost-effective in the long run. Being resistant to cracks and fading and reducing the need for frequent repairs, you can enjoy the benefits of brick for years without continuously paying for them.

Energy saving.

Brick’s natural mass can help to regulate indoor temperatures. Keeping homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, this insulating material can lead to lower energy bills.

Lower insurance premiums.

Because of its durability and resistance to weather and fire, insurance companies recognize brick and offer potential savings on insurance premiums. Brick can withstand high winds and is non-combustible, making it a safer choice, often translating to lower premiums.

Summary

Have all of these ways brick adds value to your home convinced you to choose it for your next construction project? Then contact South Alabama Brick for all your brick needs and talk to our professionals about what collection and design is right for you.

Read our blogs for more.

 

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A Guide to Stone Building Materials
A Guide to Stone Building Materials 1440 754 South Alabama Brick

As you embark on your next construction project or home renovation, consider incorporating the timeless elegance of natural stone. An essential component of construction and fit for various applications, let this guide to stone building materials introduce you to some possibilities.

Building with stone

An ancient practice, stone building or stonemasonry refers to the art and practice of constructing buildings, structures and sculptures primarily using stone. This craft involves shaping and arranging stone, often with mortar, to create strong and lasting structures, including buildings, homes, bridges and more. It represents a timeless tradition that merges beauty with strength.

Today, commercial and residential construction developments benefit from building with stone. In this guide to stone building materials, we will review the main advantages of stone buildings and popular choices.

Benefits of stonemasonry

For starters, the durability and longevity of expertly crafted stonework are two compelling benefits of stone. Additional appeal and advantages include varied colors, styles, textures, sizes and patterns, making it a versatile building material.

Stone also allows for more building flexibility, it’s weather-resistant and low maintenance.

Types of stone

Popular natural stone options used as building materials have proven their timelessness. These include limestone, sandstone, granite, basalt, and alabaster. South Alabama Brick offers a variety of natural stone selections and collections.

Along with natural stone, architects, developers, contractors and homeowners will find other trusted stone building materials, such as cast stone and manufactured stone.

Stone enhances and is ideal for exteriors and interiors, including commercial buildings, homes, driveways, hardscapes, and landscapes.

Summary

Inspired by our guide to stone building materials, it’s the perfect time to connect with your local division of South Alabama Brick Company! For those in the River Region, including Montgomery, Auburn and Phenix City, contact Capital Brick Company for your stone, brick and paver needs.

Do you live further south? Contact Riley-Stuart Supply Company in Mobile, serving South Alabama and the Gulf Coast. Continue reading our blogs for more inspiring ideas about building with stone, pavers and more.

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10 Creative Paver Landscaping Ideas
10 Creative Paver Landscaping Ideas 1440 754 South Alabama Brick

As winter approaches, many homeowners look at their outdoor spaces with a fresh perspective. If you are wondering how to enhance yours, these 10 creative paver landscaping ideas can transform your outdoor areas into beautiful and functional landscapes.

Create a patterned pathway.

Varying shapes and colors of concrete and clay pavers can add visual interest to your landscape. Consider laying pavers in intricate patterns such as herringbone or circular designs. This can lead guests through your garden, creating a delightful journey.

Integrate greenery.

Incorporate greenery to soften the hard surfaces of concrete and clay pavers. Planting low-maintenance ground cover plants or colorful flowers between the pavers can create a beautiful contrast and an inviting atmosphere.

Mix and match.

Select various types of pavers to add interesting visuals to your yard. Mix brick pavers with larger concrete pavers for a classic design. Add natural stone with concrete for a balanced, organic feel. Embrace patterns and different textures when you work with Capital Brick to create unique and custom outdoor features.

Combine pavers with outdoor lighting.

Enhancing your paver pathways with outdoor lighting can add both safety and ambiance. Use solar-powered lights or LED strips along the edges of your paver walkways to illuminate the space beautifully in the evenings and at night.

Create borders or designated areas.

Define areas of your yard with a paver border. Use pavers to frame areas of your yard, including flower beds, gardens and sitting areas. Create an organized and clean appearance with paver borders.

Add depth with colors and textures.

Consider various colors and finishes to create depth. For instance, depending on their use, dark tones can make a room feel larger, smaller, wider, narrower, taller or shorter. To simplify, the intensity of the color tone determines the effect, allowing homeowners to choose options to match their mood, from creative to cozy.

Light colors are airy and make a space feel larger, creating inviting comfort.

Build a retaining wall.

One of the creative paver landscaping ideas that often gets overlooked is a retaining wall. But a retaining wall can be an eye-catching feature in your yard and serve a practical purpose. They help prevent soil erosion and manage slopes, for instance.

Complement your home’s overall design with pavers. Natural stone and concrete pavers are ideal for sturdy and appealing retaining walls.

Upgrade your pool area with pavers.

Complete your pool area with the clean and polished look of large concrete pavers with a smooth finish. Modernize the space with an interlocking geometric pattern for elegance a minimalist will appreciate. Pavers can also frame manicured landscaping around the pool to make it stand out.

Construct a patio.

A paver patio adds a versatile space to any home. It offers a sturdy surface for outdoor activities and furnishings. Varying levels could lead to specific sections, including sitting areas, dining spaces or an outdoor kitchen.

For a smooth transition from inside your home to the outside, use patio pavers that complement the exterior of your house. Integrate patterns into your paver patio, such as basket weave or herringbone.

Add warmth with a fire pit.

It’s the perfect time of year to add a cozy gathering spot in your yard with a firepit framed in pavers. With so many sizes, styles and colors, the possibilities are endless.

Summary

The exciting news is Capital Brick can bring these and more creative paver landscaping ideas to fruition! Explore our concrete and clay pavers and scroll for paver patterns and additional information. Contact us to enhance your living spaces. Read our blogs for more home design ideas showcasing brick, stone and pavers.

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Why Choose Brick? High Wind Protection
Why Choose Brick? High Wind Protection 2048 1536 South Alabama Brick

High wind protection – A Shelter from the Storm study conducted in September 2004 shows that homes built with brick offer dramatically more protection from wind-blown debris than homes built with vinyl or fiber-cement siding. Conducted at the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University, the study demonstrated that a medium-sized wind-blown object, such as a 7.5-foot long 2 x 4, would penetrate homes built with vinyl or fiber-cement siding at a speed of 25 mph. By comparison, the same object would need to travel at a speed exceeding 80 mph in order to penetrate the wall of a brick home. The tests found that homes made with brick exceed the 34 mph impact resistance requirement for high velocity hurricane zones in the Florida building code. Brick also exceeds Florida’s impact resistance requirements for essential facilities in hurricane areas. Brick is such a strong and durable building material that your insurance companies may even offer you a discount on your home insurance costs.

 

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5 Reasons to Insist on Brick
5 Reasons to Insist on Brick 2048 1536 South Alabama Brick

Affordability, green & health advantages, energy efficiency and resale value are just a few of the many benefits of brick. When building a new home, insist on brick.

Tremron Stonegate Oak Run outdoor kitchen
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Custom Convenience of Outdoor Kitchens
Custom Convenience of Outdoor Kitchens 2048 1536 South Alabama Brick
Tremron Stonegate Oak Run outdoor kitchen

Tremron Stonegate Oak Run

Outdoor cooking is no longer limited to a basic grill & bag of charcoal. Americans have taken backyard cooking and dining to a whole new level. Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly functional and more elaborate with cooking islands, pizza ovens, refrigerators and even the kitchen sink.

Hungry homeowners are looking beyond the grill & smoker, desiring full outdoor kitchens with features that add convenience and luxury such as counter space, trash bins, ice chests, & cabinetry. Outdoor spaces are becoming more organized, reducing trips back & forth into the house & indoor kitchen.

Wall blocks come in a variety of sizes, styles & colors that coordinate perfectly with pavers & wood accents. Most offer such versatility they can be installed to create a custom outdoor space.

As pictured below, the most common additions to today’s outdoor kitchens are counter space/work space with sinks, built-in grill stations,  stove top burners, as well as space for a ceramic grill or charcoal smoker.

Another growing trend is the incorporation of warming features into outdoor spaces.  Products that lend physical and ambient warmth are in high demand, such as fireplaces & fire pits.

Fire features provide heat and light, allowing you to use your deck later into the evening and into the year, while creating an inviting atmosphere. Great focal points, fire pits and fireplaces also provide natural gathering spots for conversation & of course, s’mores!

 

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Millstone, natural stone
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How to Combine Brick & Stone
How to Combine Brick & Stone 1500 2000 South Alabama Brick

Millstone, natural stone, combine brick & stone

Adding stone accents enables you to create elegant & sophisticated points of interest. Whether you are building a new home or simply updating existing features, stone is an excellent companion to brick. Given the varieties of color, texture, shape & size of both brick and stone, the combinations & looks you can achieve are endless. Would you prefer the stone blend in with the brick or be totally opposite of the brick? Would you prefer the stone be focal point of your front elevation or the brick?

Here are a few tips to consider when combining brick and stone…

Don’t look for an exact match
Have you ever driven by a house and asked yourself “Is there brick AND stone on that house?” If the two match closely, making it difficult to tell the difference, why bother using both? A “close match” could easily result in “not close enough” and actually end up creating a design conflict.

Woodhaven Tudor, Coyote Gray, natural stone, combining brick & stone

Create a contrast
Is your brick monochromatic, with a more solid, uniform appearance? Look for stone with a variety of color & texture. For brick that has several colors and/or a heavy texture, look for a stone more solid in color.

Castle Rock Tudor brown brick with Buff, Southern Ledgestone Chardonnay

Consider color combinations
Look for colors within the brick to pull & find a stone that pairs well. For example, if a brown brick has shades of gray, consider a gray stone. If using a solid brown brick & mortar, look for stone with a variation of colors that includes the brick shade of brown.

Wildwood, combining brick & stone

Feature a focal point
Gables, columns, & entry ways are just a few examples of perfect opportunities to add stone to your project. Most of these features create natural stopping points that allow the brick and stone to seamlessly flow together.

Select a stone style that compliments your home
For a traditional look, consider a larger stone style – chopped, mosaic or field stone. These styles provide a natural, rustic look. For a more modern, contemporary or even architectural design, consider a ledgestone or cut stone. The sharper angles & edges present a more finished or polished look.

One of the toughest decisions during the building process is the brick and stone selection. It’s permanent – not something you are likely to change in a few years. Take your time, look at existing homes & choose what you like. We are here to help you!

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Combining Brick & Stone

Combining Brick & Stone

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A Santa Ready Backyard!
A Santa Ready Backyard! 3000 2250 South Alabama Brick

The holiday season is the perfect time of year to bundle up & head outside with friends and family!  Tremron’s Stonehurst Sierra pavers provide a beautiful backdrop for this outdoor space ready for Santa. The Stonegate Sierra Outdoor kitchen & columns are a perfect match to tie the space together.  Gather ’round the Munich Sierra fire pit with family & friends for caroling and memories to last a lifetime.

It’s not too late to deck the (outdoor) halls! Give us a call today!

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